A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kanazawa vs. Cromwell for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kanazawa and Cromwell can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a cultural, well-preserved, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kanazawa travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cromwell travel costs.

Kanazawa and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Both Cromwell and Kanazawa have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Kanazawa is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Cromwell attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Kanazawa is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens. Cromwell is famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Kanazawa different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cromwell and Kanazawa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is very good for skiing. However, Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Kanazawa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Kanazawa is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Kanazawa. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Is the Food Better in Kanazawa or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kanazawa is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kanazawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Kanazawa and Cromwell.

If you're looking for night time activities Kanazawa has a few options to choose from. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for its Old Town?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its old town. However, Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Kanazawa. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Cromwell does not have a historic old town.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is great for hiking. However, Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Cromwell for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Kanazawa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Kanazawa is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Kanazawa is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

Many visitors go to Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Families?

Cromwell is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Cromwell is a very family-friendly destination. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Kanazawa is a family-friendly place to visit. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Cromwell is great for romance. Also, Kanazawa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Cromwell is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Kanazawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Kanazawa and Cromwell are nice places to visit.

Kanazawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Cromwell is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kanazawa is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

While Kanazawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Kanazawa or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Kanazawa is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Kanazawa is a very walkable city. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Kanazawa Worth Visiting? and Is Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Kanazawa?

How long in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kanazawa or Cromwell to fill your time. In our opinion, Kanazawa has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kanazawa than Cromwell. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cromwell than Kanazawa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cromwell, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kanazawa than Cromwell if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kanazawa.

One day in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

The city of Kanazawa offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The town of Cromwell offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Kanazawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kanazawa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cromwell is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cromwell, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Kanazawa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kanazawa or Cromwell?

Kanazawa is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kanazawa and Cromwell, we can see that Kanazawa is more expensive. And not only is Cromwell much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kanazawa is in Asia and Cromwell is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cromwell would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cromwell and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa than you might in Cromwell.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kanazawa Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.